Rick Warren, Author of 'Purpose Driven Life' Tested for HIV

It is not uncommon for civic or religious leaders to donate blood as an example to their followers.

Rick Warren, evangelical minister and author of the "Purpose Driven Life", took that concept to a new level, he was tested for HIV during a press conference on World AIDS Day.

The test revealed that Warren did not have the virus, let's hope that millions of Warren's followers will follow his sterling example.

I applaud Rev. Warren for taking such a courageous step, hopefully it will signal a new openness in the evangelical community to minister to people infected with HIV.

The evangelical community has shunned HIV positive individuals, viewing them as mostly homosexuals or drug addicts who are deserving of God's wrath.

By taking a test for HIV, Warren demonstrated to his flock that HIV is no respecter of persons -- it can strike anyone.

According to the "Christian Post", Kay Warren, Rick's wife, said she believed her husband's bold move "would change the church's attitude toward AIDS, and thus make a real impact on eradicating the disease."

AIDS has killed millions and it's been around for decades, but I won't take a cynical tone, better late than never, kudos to Rev. Warren for joining the crusade to stamp out AIDS.